Top 10 Qualities To Show In Job Interviews

Updated on June 1, 2016

Source

1) Appropriate Professional Appearance.

Job candidates arrive at their interviews, but they are frequently observed from the time they enter the building and sometimes even in the parking lot before and after the interview occurs. The process can feel, well - creepy! No place is safe from observation except the washroom (usually) these days.

If the job candidate is at all sensitive to the expectations of corporate life, he or she will have dressed appropriately for the job in question and practiced good interview behaviors in front of a mirror. A candidate may also ask friends to check him/her out before the interview.

If an applicant arrives in golf pants or dance club clothing, then that appearance reflects a lack of corporate role awareness, so the wanted place in the organization is likely to evade the interviewee. The appropriate appearance reflects the appropriate beliefs and attitudes for a good interview and acceptable work habits and productivity in the company.

Atop all this is the dynamic that company representatives like to hire people who look and behave like the rest of the employees, but they also want new people to stand out in productivity and innovative thinking. Interview candidates often need to be the best of both sides - familiar and accepted vs. new and forward thinking.

Clothing and Grooming Are Important

How do the rest of the workers at the company dress? You might want to drive by and take a look before your interview. | Source

2) High Energy and Interest in Working.

Employers do not want to see the spinning-wheel type of hyperactivity on the job, but they do want to see their employees behaving in a manner that projects enthusiasm and a drive to produce and succeed.

Bosses and supervisors want employees that will be working with good energy all the time. At the start of a job interview, they can observe such a quality of energy as the employee enters the room.

High energy shows in your posture, your walk, and your eyes. If you have it, your job interviews will be more successful. If you have high energy at work, employers will think you are more likely to do a good job if they promote you or give you a raise, than workers who are less productive.

High Energy | Source

3) Good Work Ethic.

What is "good"?

To a slacker, all work is too hard. Employers want workers that want to work.

A person that has a good work ethic has usually learned it from somewhere -- such as from family and teachers. Employers look for this desire and willingness to work in every potential employee:

Role models and mentors that believe in the importance of hard work

Work-related free-time activities

Willingness to take a second or even a third job

No concern with number of hours worked -- no clock watching

High career goals

Good follow through -- completes anything undertaken

Paid own way through college

4) Motivation Derived From Good Role Models.

Anyone from any background can become a success.

Success usually takes with hard work and because the individual had good role models among adults in life as they grew up. These could be parents, aunts and uncles, neighbors, teachers, pastors or rabbis, scout leaders, summer youth leaders, and a host of other people that influence children. It is important to have had role models growing up and it is important to find mentors on the job to serve as current role models.

Having had early role models or later choosing effective role models helps a job candidate to project that fact that 1) not only are they motivated, but also that 2) they can motivate others effectively.

Aspects of maturity. | Source

5) Emotional Maturity.

An immature person uses two targeted qualities in order to manipulate and mislead others:

a sometimes-childlike charm and skill in flattery, and

a talent for distracting attention from his/her own shortcomings by creating a disturbance or bullying others.

Immature people are not good employees. The goal of the immature is often to satisfy only his/her own short-term gratification needs.

In fact, they often feel that the employer is responsible for doing so. Further, they may have this quality in such an extreme as to suffer from Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Others who are rather immature emotionally are less troublesome on the job and may have what is called a low EQ (Emotional Quotient); however, the EQ can be raised through instruction and training.

The strongest marker of maturity is the concern for the well-being among other human beings on a daily basis.

Emotional maturity is shown by:

Good Judgment - Effective decision making.

Handling Oneself well in business affairs - For example, no get-rich-quick schemes.

Financial Responsibility - Does not overspend and create debt problems.

Relatively low number of past employers.

Has the person pursued a career in a mature and adult manner? Has this individual job-hopped without realistic consideration for the future of either employers or self?

Leaders and Managers

6) Attitude: Performing Well is More Important Than the Paycheck.

Some people work only for the money and they usually don't do a very good job at the work, because they don't like it. Such a person has little inner motivation to do well at this job. They often develop a resentment of work, the boss, and the company. Consequently, they will hold back their best from the job, do little real work, and coast to retirement if they can.

Attitude can become more proactive and positive. | Source

7) Loyalty.

Loyalty is supporting your company, boss, and coworkers verbally and with actions. It means that you share a common mission statement and work together with your company and coworkers in good faith toward common goals. This also means a longer-term commitment than just a few days' work. Job-hoppers do not show loyalty.

8) Cooperation.

Compatible and similar individuals make the best work teams for maximized production and success. A job applicant that is self-absorbed, emotionally "touchy", or seems to have a chip n their shoulder during an interview is likely to be disruptive and demoralizing on the job. A cooperative, open-minded person that works hard is an ideal employee.

The Thunderbirds Cannot Fly Without Cooperation

The Thunderbirds | Source

9) Follow Through.

Good follow through is shown in a goal-oriented individual with a history of completing his/her projects on time - and often with additional work over that which is necessary in order to make the project extra-good. Futher, this is not a person that picks up his first paycheck and never returns to the job. (Follow through is useful in both personal and professional lives.)

10) Ability To Channel Anger.

The best job-seekers can manage hostilities smoothly and can supply examples of how they have done this. They also do not criticize or denigrate past employers during job interviews.

Experiences & Additions 56 comments

I like the last one! Sometimes the interviewer will test if you're able to control your anger by doing something ... that should anger you. Good work ethic is really important. Occasionally you have to work past your usual hours and this can make you feel torn between pleasing your boss and pleasing your family. Either way you go it's difficult so I think that interviewers look for how you can accomplish a balance between work and personal life. I've worked at places where workaholics were just... really hated by everyone.

Patty Inglish, MS 8 years ago from North America Author

I never have thought much about an interviewer trying to provoke anger in an applicant, but I can look back and see perhaps where some have tired to do that in my interviews.

Work and family life can be difficutl to balance. And, I have worked two places in which if ou did a good job at all, the rest of the staff hated you, not to mention workaholism.

Thanks for the additions! Very helpful.

job interview tips 8 years ago

Your post genuinely assisted me understand this topic. A lot of what I have read from other places makes it seem so tricky and hard to understand.

I mean is it OK to work for a company for years if the employee expects growth?

Patty Inglish, MS 8 years ago from North America Author

Loyalty is 1) long-term employment, 2) sticking up for your team of co-wrokers at work, 3) doing your best work for your boss, 4) helping the company, boss & coworkers get back on track if they make mistakes - especially in audits; etc.

However, many workforce professionals advise that if you have not received a promotion in 3-4 years, look for work with another company.

manish.pucsd 8 years ago from Bangalore , India

I agree with all the points , but just wondering that does geographical location makes difference ,,. I mean some point may be more relevent to one country and some other point in some other country ?

Patty Inglish, MS 8 years ago from North America Author

These are the Top 10 that have been revealed by the polls of employers in America over the past 5-10 years. Can you add some other qualities that are the most important in your country? - We'd be pleased to see them.

nikitha p 8 years ago from India

yes.....you are right...

rozelle_bautista@yahoo.com 8 years ago

These information really helped me a lot me with my homework....Actually, I'm a Management student, so I'd like to ask some advice from you Ms. Patty. Can you please tell me, is it really good for a manager to don't make the same decision twicw? why?

Patty Inglish, MS 8 years ago from North America Author

Actually, that is nonsense, because it is illogical. A good decision can be made more than once. To make a different decision each time, even in the same scenario, is either 1) immaturity, or 2) a game played to keep subordinates and superiors off guard, which the hallmark of an abuser or a person with any of several mental health disorders. Neither 1) nor 2) is good.

Cheers!

Chetna Sidhu 7 years ago

Your post genuinely assisted me understand this topic.

Patty Inglish, MS 7 years ago from North America Author

Glad it could be of use to you!

Juan R Natal Henriquez 7 years ago

Exposition of subject matter is excellent and represent a valuable resource for briefs and initial step for further enhancements on the matter.

ola 7 years ago

this is a gooden!

askjanbrass 7 years ago from St. Louis, MO

Helpful ideas.

Thanks.

f.rifka 7 years ago

Please can you help me to get a trusted free online job I am a housewife, and need a job.I tried a lot but they are a lot of money.thank you.

Patty Inglish, MS 7 years ago from North America Author

If you have Internet access at home and also a landline telephone, you can work for LiveOps.

Deborah-Lynn 7 years ago from Los Angeles, California

Hi Patty, when I read your Hub, I actually unplugged my laptop and brought into the study for my husband to read, he has an interview at 3pm tommorrow and your Hub outlined some very specific points I thought he should be aware of. I know your Hub will make a difference for him, he will be more prepared, the energy level he emits is usually pretty low, so that's great he will accept the imput from your Hub more willingly than if it came from me. I am delighted!

Patty Inglish, MS 7 years ago from North America Author

That's quite kind of you to share with me and I hope that information really works well. I'll keep your husband in my good thougths today for that job interview. Energy is a good thing.

kims3003 6 years ago

very well thought out and well written article. A+!

Prasanna 6 years ago

Hi Ms.Patty I have attended 5 interviews in the past five days but I din't get selected. I know im good in English, im answering all the questions what they ask but they say it is not enough.Please help me out in this.I have interview tomorrow also, i need some help from you.

Patty Inglish, MS 6 years ago from North America Author

I cannot detect the problem, Prasanna. If you are applying for jobs for which you qualify, it may be only a matter of "not enough experience." This is very difficult. If this is the problem, offer to work a very short free internship so they can evaluate you - 1 or 2 days only. See if that works. It sometimes does work.

Best,

Patty

Ambition398 6 years ago

The maturity part is very important, regardless of age. TOo many people try to remain set in ways that are not always good. Be willing and open to change - -for the good :)

Sit up during the interview andlean forward and show some interest in your field act like what you do is so cool or important beacause you like it, it interests you. i am going to stop commenting as I amgoing to write my own hub and reference this one as my inspiration and the link to this one i may just link to it here as my inspiration

Patty Inglish, MS 6 years ago from North America Author

Cool, tom; I will read it when it is posted! Thanks to you and everyone for comments.

Great day to everyone!

H.C Porter 6 years ago from Lone Star State

Great Hub and Great Tips. I can look back and see myself during interviews and know where I did well and where I needed improvement. With age-I have improved, because my work ethic and drive are now more goal oriented, which I suppose is why I now have better opportunities than I did a few years ago.

Thanks for sharing...

angela_michelle 6 years ago from United States

Okay, so I just wrote my own hub on this very same topic. Your article puts mine to shame. I am making a link, rating this up useful and awesome. :) I have an interview next Tuesday wish me luck!

Patty Inglish, MS 6 years ago from North America Author

Best of success to you, angela_michelle! If you can write about it, you can do it, so tell us about the interview when you're done.

richtwf 6 years ago

I've gained one or two more different insights and will use them in the future. Lots of great advice and thanks for sharing.

MKayo 6 years ago from Texas

Good, basic, and common sense advice. I wish more younger folks would take this advice to heart. Thanks for the great info.

TroyM 6 years ago

Agree on the last one. Anger management is a hot topic today, and rightly so, if you watch the news. GOod list here!

okmom23 6 years ago from Midwest, U.S.A.

Thank you for the great information!

Xie Toshiba 5 years ago

Project for school in China Thanks for info.

Bronson_Hub 5 years ago from San Francisco, CA

Thanks for the reminders that I need to step it up at work! You probably just got me a raise in the future, indirectly. How much do I owe you :P

Glad I came across this hub! You made a suggestion to another poster about "offer to work a very short free internship so they can evaluate you -" Good suggestion and one I will keep in mind. v/r

Xinox Leugim 5 years ago from Philippines

Enough confidence during an interview is also very critical to grab the job you are vying for. Sometimes, you think you are qualified enough but you must project in a way during the interview that the interviewer will not doubt on your ability. I remember during my interview before in an audit firm, I thought my humility would bring me to the job. I was a bit timid which I thought companies would go for not so aggressive applicants only to know that you must be able to

exude sufficient enthusiasm to get hired. However, once employed, work attitudes really is so important to get along well with your co-workers. While you could be the smartest in the group, if you have an unacceptable work ethics, it will be disadvantageous in the advancement of your career. So, i think the best way up is really a balance of intelligence and emotional quotient.

bdowning 4 years ago from Ventura, California

One of the hardest things to discover about people is how they will respond to taking ownership of tasks they inherently dislike doing. Are thy able to see past their immediate situation and grow emotionally and skill wise to become more valuable for an organization or will they just do the minimum and never grow? My experience is most people will say they are willing but few are actually able to grow into a valuable asset. Finding those diamonds in the rough before they become diamonds would be a priceless skill for any interviewer.

Patty Inglish, MS 4 years ago from North America Author

Thank for that observation, ndowing; it's a really useful one.

abbysonmartin 4 years ago from England

hi guys very nice hubpages post and many information about of hot qualties interviews jobs very nice define thanxxxx..?

louromano 4 years ago

Nice Hub.I Agree on the last one. Anger management is a hot topic today, and rightly so, if you watch the news. GOod list here!

Patty Inglish, MS 4 years ago from North America Author

Thanks for your views - it seems people are more and more angry in the 2010s - or is it just my area in the Midwest?

howtoguides2learn 4 years ago from Chennai, India

Useful hub. I think emotional maturity is a very important quality. Thanks for the share.

cclitgirl 4 years ago from Western NC

Fabulous advice and useful to so, so many people. Interviews can be so nerve-wracking, but with these tips, you can really help to calm a lot of nerves.

Patty Inglish, MS 4 years ago from North America Author

I agree that interviews can be completely nerve-shattering. This is especially true as the nature of interview questions changes over the years, about once a decade or more often in the 2010s - 2020s. Some job seekers are offended by some of the questions and feel that the interviewer is trying to make a fool of them. It's not a happy thing.

writerscentro 4 years ago from India

I like the last quality. Sometimes the interviewer will test if you're able to control your anger by doing something...that should annoy you.....But you don't need to be angry.......These are the ways of testing the interviewee qualities. A useful hub dear.............God bless and voted upp !!!!!

Patty Inglish, MS 4 years ago from North America Author

Thank you for your comments, writerscentro!

truthbay 3 years ago

well these ideas serves great help to us job hunters .. boosts confidence .. thinking about these qualities, we can train ourselves learning these stuffs ..

Patty Inglish, MS 3 years ago from North America Author

It helps to not have to go into an interview totally blind to what will occur!